While the work was tough, I can't imagine I would have learned more at any other hospital. On the unit I worked on, I took care of 5-6 patients per night, all of high acuity. There was never a dull moment. As a new grad I got to participate in a residency program, which was extremely helpful. The management was going through a transition during my time at this hospital, so it's difficult to give an accurate review on that. The workplace culture was turbulent much of the time, but the morale among coworkers was high. The nurses and clinical assistants formed strong bonds, which made shifts go by a little more smoothly. The hardest part of the job was the nurse to patient ratios, as is the issue at many hospitals. Having responsibility for 6 patients per shift is quite a lot for a new grad to handle, but it's a great way to learn time management and prioritization. The most enjoyable part of the job was being able to learn something new every day, and forming relationships with coworkers as well as patients.

You know those comics that show one person digging a hole with eight other people watching him dig the hole? That is Seton/Ascension in a nutshell. Nurses and other bedside staff are under appreciated and overworked. The higher ups continue to insist we cut staffing to meet budget. Recently, there were several layoffs of loyal and necessary staff, but the CEO received a $40,000 bonus.

A typical day at work consisted of assessment of both baby and mom's fresh out of surgery or post delivery. Responsible for up to 8 patients at a time. Giving medication and pain control is a priority on this unit. A lot of the day consisted of detecting signs and symptoms of disease in high risk newborns, as this is the high risk L&D hospital in the Austin area. I learned a lot about people; different types of people, how to adapt to a fast paced and ever changing environment and how to care for people no matter what their past entailed. I learned to care for a mother that had a baby withdrawing from heroin in the nursery with the same compassion as I did any other patient of mine on the unit. It is not my place to judge. I learned strength above all else. Management was going through rapid changes as the entire network and healthcare in general was changing all together. I learned that it takes a lot to be a strong leader. A lot of skills that I can see in myself but that will take a while to develop. My co-workers were supportive and helpful in the environment that we were in. The hardest part about my job again was dealing with a case that CPS was involved in, watching the mother hold her child as CPS is telling her they are removing the baby from her and that she will no longer be able to have contact with the child. I am the nurse to both that child and that mother. I have never felt those types of emotions before. Giving the mother a hug and letter her know that someone was here for her, and not everyone in the world is against her. Yet, protecting themore... precious baby that didn't deserve to come into the world like that. This wasn't a monthly or weekly thing. It was a multiple times per day thing. The most enjoyable part of my job, by far, was being a part of the most sacred of moments in peoples lives. Being their when their child is born. That is a life changing experience.less

Pros

Rewarding work, high risk OB, required attention to detail and hard work

Seton has been a good place to work, although it recently has been taken over by Ascension Healthcare, who have been making massive changes. while things are in a state of flux now, which is stressful, I think the company is still a great healthcare system and I am proud to work there.